Setting a Loose Diamond

[WPSon20]

Call me paranoid, but when I eventually take my loose diamond to a jeweler to be set, how do I assure it doesn't get swapped? I think I've chosen a jeweler and a setting that will be able to be set the same day I bring in the stone, but can I request I be present for the setting? Is that offensive? Is that something that consumers do?

By the way, I will have it appraised prior to setting. Would that help matters at all? thx...

 

[stonecutter2]

Well, for what it's worth, regarding making sure the diamond isn't swapped - my father recommended that I do the following for my upcoming loose diamond when it gets put in a setting:

Get a 10x loupe or go into a jewelry store and ask to use theirs (not necessarily the one that's doing the setting, if you're afraid you'll offend them or something).

Draw an X on a piece of paper, then a circle around it. This is your diamond, crown up, centered.

Look at the stone through a loupe and find an identifying inclusion that you can orient the rest of your notes with - turn the stone so that the inclusion you choose is at "12 o'clock." Mark a T at the top of your drawing.

Draw your best estimation of the inclusion(s).

Bring that note with you when you pick up your finished jewelry. Find your inclusions and orient the stone, and ensure it's actually your diamond.

 

[Ellen]

Hi WP,

First, let me ask something important. Well, two things.

1. Will your diamond be insured beforehand?

2. In the event #1 is no, as most likely will be the case, is the jeweler willing to cover it in the unlikely even something happens while it's being set? i.e. chips, cracks, etc.


Most people go over the stone with the jeweler beforehand, looking at the inclusion plot under magnification in particular. Then you go over it again afterwards. Also, if the girdle is inscribed, that will make it even easier.

As for being present, you can sure ask, I have no idea if they'd object or not.


ETA Typing at the same time!

 

[WPSon20]

stonecutter,

I''ll definitely check out the inclusion plot, and maybe even have my appraiser make sure I can adequately identify my stone with her loupes when I sit down with her. Unfortunately, I''m not terribly great at identifying inclusions. The stone I''m looking at happens to be a VS2; whether or not I''ll be able to identify and reidentify the same inclusion is questionable. But I definitely will give it a shot.

Ellen, the stone won''t be insured beforehand. I have not approached the jeweler just yet about their specific policies, but I certainly will. As for the stone, no, the girdle is not inscribed.

So it seems it''s basically a matter of knowing my inclusion plot and examining it with the jeweler pre- and post-setting, eh?

 

[Stone Hunter]

Some appraisers offer a service where they look at the diamond again after it is set. If yours does this that may really ease your mind. Sorry I don''t know the appraiser term for this service.

 

[Ellen]

Date: 5/15/2009 4:41:49 PM
Author: WPSon20
stonecutter,

I''ll definitely check out the inclusion plot, and maybe even have my appraiser make sure I can adequately identify my stone with her loupes when I sit down with her. Unfortunately, I''m not terribly great at identifying inclusions. The stone I''m looking at happens to be a VS2; whether or not I''ll be able to identify and reidentify the same inclusion is questionable. But I definitely will give it a shot.

Ellen, the stone won''t be insured beforehand. I have not approached the jeweler just yet about their specific policies, but I certainly will. As for the stone, no, the girdle is not inscribed.

So it seems it''s basically a matter of knowing my inclusion plot and examining it with the jeweler pre- and post-setting, eh?

Yes. But if you make sure you''re working with a reputable jeweler to begin with, you should be fine.

 

[WPSon20]

Date: 5/16/2009 6:33:02 AM
Author: Ellen

Date: 5/15/2009 4:41:49 PM

Author: WPSon20

stonecutter,


I''ll definitely check out the inclusion plot, and maybe even have my appraiser make sure I can adequately identify my stone with her loupes when I sit down with her. Unfortunately, I''m not terribly great at identifying inclusions. The stone I''m looking at happens to be a VS2; whether or not I''ll be able to identify and reidentify the same inclusion is questionable. But I definitely will give it a shot.


Ellen, the stone won''t be insured beforehand. I have not approached the jeweler just yet about their specific policies, but I certainly will. As for the stone, no, the girdle is not inscribed.


So it seems it''s basically a matter of knowing my inclusion plot and examining it with the jeweler pre- and post-setting, eh?

Yes. But if you make sure you''re working with a reputable jeweler to begin with, you should be fine.

I know. It''s just that I don''t want to mistake good salesmanship for trustworthiness. If I can take extra precautions, I want to.

 

[WPSon20]

By the way, does anyone know how much a laser inscription usually costs?

 

[dinamit]

Not much, if I remember correctly, about 20$. You can check on the GIA website.